Tall Fescue
Festuca arundinacea (syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Kentucky-31 (K-31) or similar forage-type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-7; excellent heat tolerance for its class; remains green in mild winters but goes dormant in extreme cold.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, upright grass forming dense clumps. It features a medium to dark green color, staying green longer into the winter than warm-season grasses. Seed heads are large, open panicles that reach 2-4 feet if unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (>4mm wide), flat, with prominent parallel veins on the upper surface. The tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and membranous; auricles are small, blunt, and may have short hairs.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (often 3-6 feet deep); low thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from seed; creates high drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America and transition zones
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); can occasionally produce short rhizomes but lacks aggressive spreading.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade; prefers at least 4-6 hours of sun. High drought tolerance for a cool-season grass but requires supplement water in extreme heat.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3-4 inches; mow weekly during spring/fall; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; low to medium maintenance requirement.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance; good shade tolerance compared to other turf grasses; high salt tolerance; resistant to most common lawn diseases except brown patch in high humidity.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; useful for soil stabilization and erosion control on banks; provides limited wildlife cover; can be invasive in native prairie restoration sites.